Acumen was founded in 2001 to use power of entrepreneurship to build a world where everyone had the opportunity to live with dignity. Acumen's goal was to invest “Patient Capital” to bridge the gap between the efficiency and scale of market-based approaches and the social impact of pure philanthropy.
Acumen invests in early-stage companies whose products and services enable the poor to transform their lives. Acumen also supports its portfolio companies with the tools, networks, technical assistance and strategic guidance needed to succeed and scale into long-term solutions to poverty.
Rather than investing traditional capital, Acumen invests philanthropic, or “patient,” capital that provides startups with the flexibility and security to grow their business and reach as many poor customers as possible.
Among its areas of investment Acumen invests in water and sanitation solutions, ranging from safe drinking water kiosks to affordable toilets for slums, as well as agriculture, energy and health solutions.
